The Dutch East India Company was the most valuable company ever

Did you know that the Dutch East India Company was the most valuable company ever in world history. With a value of 78 million Dutch Guilders, adjusted to 2012 dollars it was worth $7.4 trillion.

The Dutch East India Company in 1637

Value then: 78 million Dutch Guilders // Adjusted to 2012 dollars: $7.4 trillionHOW IT GOT SO BIG: Founded in 1602, the world’s first publicly traded company on the world’s first stock exchange started off as a spice trader. Its competitive edge: The largest fleet shipping goods between Europe and Asia. In the 17th century, it grew tremendously thanks to rampant speculation on the value of tulip bulbs. The …